15-Day Highlights of South Africa - Scheduled Tours

It’s an adventure unlike any other - South Africa, a vast land of unimaginable beauty and diversity of experiences, is set to take your breath away.

Day 1: (Sun) JohannesburgUpon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar

Day 2: (Mon) Hazyview (BB)This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview.

Day 3: (Tue) Kruger National Park (PB)We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 4: (Wed) Swaziland (BB)This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture.

Accommodation: Lugogo Sun or similarDistance travelled today: 261 kms

Day 5: (Thu) St Lucia and surrounds (BB)This morning we journey through Swaziland into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay.

Day 6: (Fri) St Lucia and surrounds / Durban (BB)Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.

Day 7: (Sat) Drakensberg (BB,BD)This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps enjoy a stroll along Durban’s golden mile which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account).

Day 8: (Sun) Drakensberg (BB, BD)Full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains.

Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar

Day 9: (Mon) Eastern Cape Coast (BB, BD)This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast.

Day 10: (Tue) Eastern Cape Coast (BB)We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to Port Elizabeth.

Day 11: (Wed) Knysna (BB, D)Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel.

Day 12: (Thu) Oudtshoorn (BB)After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 13: (Fri) Cape Town (BB)Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off in Mossel Bay to visit the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz Museum and Shell Museum. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

ADD ON THESE EXHILARATING OPTIONAL EXTRAS •A full day open vehicle safaris in the Kruger National Park. •An afternoon open vehicle safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.•Game viewing boat cruise in St Lucia.•4x4 Adventure tour up Sani Pass and into Lesotho (Passport required).•Full day tour to the Cape Winelands or a scenic full day Cape Peninsula Tour.